Liverpool FC's Ian Ayre labels Wigan owner Dave Whelan 'a comedian'

Ian Ayre has criticised Wigan chairman Dave Whelan - claiming he conducted a "sideshow" during Liverpool FC's recent search for a new manager, and labelling him "the biggest comedian" in the north west of England.

Whelan gave his manager Roberto Martinez permission to speak to Liverpool FC about the Anfield vacancy and then appeared to be speaking to the media every day to give updates.

Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers was eventually appointed on Friday, after the manager, Liverpool and the Swans concluded negotiations in less than four days in a much more private affair.

Ian Ayre said: "Our aim from the outset was to conduct a proper, thorough, search and do it in the proper manner.

"From our point of view, we did all the right things. We approached the clubs we needed to approach, and conducted ourselves properly at all times.

"It is disappointing, then, that Dave Whelan felt the need to run the kind of sideshow he conducted via Sky Sports News and various other media outlets.

"To be honest, I always thought John Bishop was the biggest comedian in the north west but Dave Whelan seems to have taken that mantle over the last couple of weeks."

At one stage last week, Dave Whelan claimed Roberto Martinez had been made an offer by Liverpool FC, something Ian Ayre denies.

"That is patently not true," he said.

"We make no secret of the fact we spoke with Roberto Martinez, but that is all we did.

"He is a great guy, and I can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism and conduct.

"But for his chairman to make suggestions like he has, and suggestions that just aren’t true, well it is disappointing to say the least.

"We can say with absolute certainty that the only person who was made any offer by Liverpool Football Club is Brendan Rodgers."

Wigan Athletic declined to comment on Ian Ayre’s views.

Dave Whelan has defended his actions, however, blaming misrepresentation of some of his comments.

"I cannot help it if some people misinterpreted what I said, which was that Liverpool wanted our manager - which they did as they asked permission to speak with him, and talked to him on a number of occasions," he said.

"My response (to Ayre’s criticism) is a simple one - I wish Liverpool all the very best with their new manager.

"They have appointed a super lad for the job, a very good manager, and I am very happy for them.